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Starting Kindergarten [message #641663]

Wed, 21 July 2010 13:47

bolt.
Messages: 65
Registered: July 2010
Location: Canada

Member

I've been toying with the idea of homeschooling for a few years now, but, due to an opening in an excellent public school program, we've decided to allow the system to teach our children the basics of what they need (reading, writing, arithmetic, etc) probably through the elementary school years. My older daughter is starting kindergarten in the fall.

However, I do not consider that to be a complete education. What I'm hoping some of you can help me figure out is how to add some homeschooling goodness to our lives, so that I can continue to be an education influence on my children, even while 'out-sourcing' some areas of their learning.

How can I support what is taught in kindergarten / grade 1?

What is not being taught in school that children benefit from?

Any specific suggestions are more than welcome (other than the suggestion that I reverse the decision to try kindergarten).

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Re: Starting Kindergarten [message #641669 is a reply to message #641663 ]

Wed, 21 July 2010 14:37

Maddie
Messages: 931
Registered: July 2005
Location: Oregon

Senior Member

You know for homeschooling Kindergarten, I just focus on the basics and don't add a lot of other stuff in! If she's in a full day program, I would allow her a lot of down time to just play and be a kid. If she's in a half day program she might not need that so much. I would look at how the school has been affected by budget cuts (which is a big deal around here) and see if they have eliminated anything that I need to add back in, typically art, P.E., and music here. And whatever type of program she's in, I think the best thing a parent can do is just read, read, read to the child. Have lots of snuggle time on the sofa reading great books--both picture books and chapter books if her attention span is ready for it. And read a Bible story book as that will definitely be missing from the public school.

Maddie
Mom of 3 girls 13, 10, and 7

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Re: Starting Kindergarten [message #641671 is a reply to message #641663 ]

Wed, 21 July 2010 14:45

Maureen
Messages: 263
Registered: August 2008
Location: North America

Senior Member

I would be sure to read to your child daily. Make it part of your routine.

Be sure they see YOU read.

Take them to the public library (they are probably only allowed 1 or 2 books per week from the school library).

Give them access to materials like colouring books (great for hand-eye coordination and a good precursor to printing).

Give them opportunities to practice printing - eg. add 'ice cream' to mom's shopping list, send a picture to Grandma and print a caption. You could print it first and have them copy.

If your child brings home a word list, review it together.

Sing songs together.

You could ask your child's teacher if there is anything specific you could work on. I needed extra practice using scissors when I was in kindergarten.

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Re: Starting Kindergarten [message #641673 is a reply to message #641663 ]

Wed, 21 July 2010 14:53

Cayt
Messages: 72
Registered: April 2008

Member

Volunteer at the school, that way you can be actively involved with her schooling and can talk to the teacher when you see areas that your dd might need extra practice.

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